Frequently Asked Questions

Migration Assessment

If you have a question about the submission of an application for migration assessment with AIM, please read the following FAQs. If your question is not answered here, you can submit a query to the AIM National Secretary.

Questions

Before I submit my paperwork I'd like an indication if my application will be successful. Do I have to pay the associated fee upfront if I might not be successful?

Yes, all applications must be accompanied by an upfront application fee. AIM employs resources to assess whether applications will be successful or otherwise and this fee covers the administration of the skills assessment unit. As such, it is not possible for AIM to provide you with advice on your application before it is officially received with the associated application fee of AUD$360.00.

More questions:

1. I've just finished my management qualification but do not have any practical experience. Will my request for migration assessment be successful?
2. How long does the assessment process take?
   
3. Can I be assessed for more than 1 occupation?
4. Are there any helpful hints from the Assessors that I can use when submitting my application?
5. I have many years experience as a manager but no formal qualifications. Will my request for migration assessment be successful?
6. Do I have to take an English test as part of my skills assessment with AIM?
7. I am a member of AIM - does that automatically qualify me for migration assessment?
8. Is AIM membership required for assessment?
9. What is the management skills assessment fee?
10. How should payment be made?
11. Can I pay by credit card?
12. Can I receive a refund on my application fee?
13. Can I appeal against the assessment result?
14. What is the difference between skills assessment of management positions through the Australian Institute of Management and those assessed through other organisations such VETASSESS?
15. Where do I send my application?
16. Over what period is my assessment valid?
17. How long is the AIM assessment current for?
18. Can I obtain a copy of my assessment?
19. Can the assessment result letter be extended?
20. Do you return my application after assessment?
21. I don't think I will qualify for skills assessment as a senior manager, but I have another specialty. Are there any other bodies through which I can be assessed for the purposes of migration to Australia?
22. Can you advise about Australian visa options?

Answers

1. I've just finished my management qualification but do not have any practical experience. Will my request for migration assessment be successful and by what criteria is it judged?

The Australian Institute of Management is contracted as an assessing authority by the Australian Government to assess senior management skills for applicants for the purpose of skilled migration to Australia. AIM is authorised to use its nationally recognised senior membership criteria to assess the categories of:

• General Manager [1112-11]
• Human Resources Manager [1213-11]
• Sales and Marketing Manager [1231-11]
• Supply and Distribution Manager [1223-11]
• Engineering Manager [1221-11]

Recent graduates are not able to meet the requirements - work experience is essential. Please refer to the Skilled Migration Booklet published by DIMIA and Criteria attached to the Migration Skills Assessment form [PDF; 134Kb].

2. How long does the assessment process take?

The assessment process takes up to approximately four (4) weeks from the time of receipt of the application if no further information or clarification is required.

3. Can I be assessed for more than 1 occupation?

No, applicants are required to allocate on the application form the occupation which they wish to be assessed against. Additionally, applicants must provide documentary evidence from work experience and/or educational qualifications to support the chosen occupation. If applicants wish to be assessed against a different occupation, then a new application must be submitted with documentary evidence to support the different occupation.

4. Are there any helpful hints from the Assessors that I can use when submitting my application?

Yes, please download and read the Skilled Migration Dos and Don'ts Helpful Hints document [PDF; 27Kb].

5. I have many years experience as a manager but no formal qualifications. Will my request for migration assessment be successful?

Educational qualifications are not mandatory in order to gain a positive skills assessment. Applicants should check the Criteria as to the level of management responsibilities required.

6. Do I have to take an English test as part of my skills assessment with AIM?

No, AIM does not require English language test results as part of the skills assessment process.

7. I am a member of AIM - does that automatically qualify me for migration assessment?

No, any grading of experience and education undertaken by any AIM state division for membership does not automatically translate into approval under the skills assessment process for migration. Please read the Criteria fully before submitting an application.

8. Is AIM membership required for assessment?

No, membership of the Australian Institute of Management is not required for assessment purposes but it is recommended for professional development and networking purposes.

9. What is the management skills assessment fee?

A fee of AUD$360.00 is payable to the Australian Institute of Management when applying for management skills assessment for the purposes of migration.

If residing in Australia (overseas student or other visa holder), a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% should be added to the fee.

10. How should payment be made?

If paying from outside Australia payment is to be made by bank draft which must nominate an Australian bank through which the payment can be processed. Drafts which nominate non-Australian banks will be returned for replacement.

Please note: Electronic Funds Transfer is not accepted as a method of payment.

11. Can I pay by credit card?

Yes - you can pay for your Management Skills Assessment by credit card. Please complete the Credit Card Authorisation Form and include with your application.

12. Can I receive a refund on my application fee?

No, your application fee covers the professional and administrative costs of processing and assessing your application. Irrespective of the outcome of your application, the application fee is not refundable.

13. Can I appeal against the assessment result?

Yes, applicants may appeal against the results of their assessment. An additional fee of AUD$360.00 is payable to cover the costs of processing the appeal, with a timeframe of up to 8 weeks. Please fill in the Application for Appeal form [PDF; 57Kb] with the details of your appeal.

14. What is the difference between skills assessment of management positions through the Australian Institute of Management and those assessed through other organisations such VETASSESS?

AIM is authorised to assess applications for senior managers only. All other management positions are assessed for migration purposes by VETASSESS or other professionally accredited organisations.

15. Where do I send my application?

Please send your application to:

Management Skills Assessment Unit
Australian Institute of Management
PO Box 200
Spring Hill Qld 4004
Australia

16. Over what period is my assessment valid?

Assessments carried out by AIM Skills Assessment Unit are valid for 2 years from the date of the letter of assessment.

17. How long is the AIM assessment current for?

Successful assessments are valid for a period of two years from the date of issue.

18. Can I obtain a copy of my assessment?

A copy of 'successful' assessments will be issued only within two years of the original assessment date. If the original assessment was carried out over two years ago no copy will be provided and a new application must be submitted.

19. Can the assessment result letter be extended?

Assessment results can be extended for 12 months if the original result has not expired. Applicants wishing to extend their result must complete an Extension Request Form [PDF; 56Kb] and submit it to AIM before the current result expires. From 1 March 2010 all assessment extension requests will incur a non-refundable fee of $AUD80.00 (plus 10% GST where applicable). Please note if your assessment result has expired a new application must be submitted.

20. Do you return my application after assessment?

No, your application will not be returned. Please ensure that only certified true copies of original documents are included with your application.

21. I don't think I will qualify for skills assessment as a senior manager, but I have another specialty. Are there any other bodies through which I can be assessed for the purposes of migration to Australia?

Yes, please visit DIMIA's Skilled Occupation List [Form 1121i - www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf] or visit www.immi.gov.au/skilled/index.htm for more information on migration skills assessment.

22. Can you advise about Australian visa options?

No, AIM cannot provide advice on Australian visas. Please visit the DIMIA website for information at www.immi.gov.au.